The Vagina - What Is Normal?
Most girls at some time in their lives will ask themselves the question "Is my vagina is normal?" What is normal anyway? Female genitals may look quite different from others and yet still be completely normal.
Some women have longer external labia (the outside "lips") than others.
It's a bit like ear lobes, long floppy ones or small compact ones are both normal.
Similarly, the internal labia that surround the vagina can also differ in length and fleshiness, but still be completely normal.
The Vaginal Canal The vagina itself is not just a tube, but a stretchy, muscular canal lined with "ridges".
The vagina has the ability to increase in length and width during sexual penetration and especially during childbirth.
Just like the other parts of the female genitalia, the vagina may be tighter or looser and still be normal.
Vaginal Scarring Sometimes the vagina, or pereneal tissue (the area between the vagina and the anus) may have been ruptured or torn during childbirth and there may be scarring - especially if the woman has suffered a difficult childbirth.
If the scarring causes discomfort during sex, some women will elect to have the scar tissue removed surgically.
Vaginal Looseness Looseness can occur after childbirth due to a slackening of the muscular tissue that surrounds the vagina.
Slackness (excessive looseness) of the vagina can also interfere with sexual enjoyment.
An operation called a vaginal reconstruction (VR) may be the answer to repair and tighten the vagina.
Incontinence and Sexual Difficulties If you are having sexual difficulties or incontinence due to post-birth vaginal problems, you should consider trying Kegel exercises to tighten up the muscles surrounding your vagina.
Kegel exercises basically involve contracting (by squeezing) the muscles surrounding your vagina to improve tone.
You can find out how to do Kegel exercises on the internet or by consulting a specialist.
If all else fails, see your doctor about other, perhaps surgical, options.
Vaginal Lubrication The vagina is home to some lubricating glands that provide moisture and prevent too much friction.
Normal vaginal secretions are clear or milky translucent in colour and do not have a strong or unpleasant smell.
Abnormal Vaginal Secretions: Smelly or Discoloured Discharge If the discharge is malodourous or coloured, you may have a bacterial infection, an amoebic infection or an STI (sexually transmitted infection).
Please consult your doctor for a diagnosis so that you can treat the condition properly.
White Curd-Like Discharge White, curd-like or cottage-cheese like discharge may indicate a Candida infection (also known as a "yeast infection" or vaginal thrush).
This type of infection is caused by the fungal microbe candida albicans.
Candidiasis can be treated using a number of different approaches including an oral pill, a vaginal pessary or a vaginal cream which are all readily available from any chemist or pharmacy.
Uncomfortable Dryness Menopause, in particular can make vaginal secretions seem to "dry up" - an uncomfortable proposition especially when it comes to sexual intercourse! There are some excellent personal lubricants on the market that can help with a dry vagina.
They are available from chemists, pharmacies, supermarkets, sex shops and online.
Vaginal and Labial Irritation If the internal labia, the inside of the external labia or the vagina itself are sore, red or itchy, you are experiencing vaginal or labial irritation.
If these symptoms occur with unusual vaginal discharge (see Abnormal Vaginal Secretions above), you may have an infection - in which case please consult your doctor to have your condition correctly diagnosed and treated.
To Relieve Vaginal Discomfort Irritation, redness and itchiness can be relieved by applying a 99% natural herbal cream.
"LadySoothe" contains essential oils including tea tree oil that have soothing and healing properties and is safe to apply to this delicate vaginal area.
LadySoothe was created by women for women.
With a moisturising coconut oil base, LadySoothe is safe to apply to your vagina - both inside and outside.
Some women have longer external labia (the outside "lips") than others.
It's a bit like ear lobes, long floppy ones or small compact ones are both normal.
Similarly, the internal labia that surround the vagina can also differ in length and fleshiness, but still be completely normal.
The Vaginal Canal The vagina itself is not just a tube, but a stretchy, muscular canal lined with "ridges".
The vagina has the ability to increase in length and width during sexual penetration and especially during childbirth.
Just like the other parts of the female genitalia, the vagina may be tighter or looser and still be normal.
Vaginal Scarring Sometimes the vagina, or pereneal tissue (the area between the vagina and the anus) may have been ruptured or torn during childbirth and there may be scarring - especially if the woman has suffered a difficult childbirth.
If the scarring causes discomfort during sex, some women will elect to have the scar tissue removed surgically.
Vaginal Looseness Looseness can occur after childbirth due to a slackening of the muscular tissue that surrounds the vagina.
Slackness (excessive looseness) of the vagina can also interfere with sexual enjoyment.
An operation called a vaginal reconstruction (VR) may be the answer to repair and tighten the vagina.
Incontinence and Sexual Difficulties If you are having sexual difficulties or incontinence due to post-birth vaginal problems, you should consider trying Kegel exercises to tighten up the muscles surrounding your vagina.
Kegel exercises basically involve contracting (by squeezing) the muscles surrounding your vagina to improve tone.
You can find out how to do Kegel exercises on the internet or by consulting a specialist.
If all else fails, see your doctor about other, perhaps surgical, options.
Vaginal Lubrication The vagina is home to some lubricating glands that provide moisture and prevent too much friction.
Normal vaginal secretions are clear or milky translucent in colour and do not have a strong or unpleasant smell.
Abnormal Vaginal Secretions: Smelly or Discoloured Discharge If the discharge is malodourous or coloured, you may have a bacterial infection, an amoebic infection or an STI (sexually transmitted infection).
Please consult your doctor for a diagnosis so that you can treat the condition properly.
White Curd-Like Discharge White, curd-like or cottage-cheese like discharge may indicate a Candida infection (also known as a "yeast infection" or vaginal thrush).
This type of infection is caused by the fungal microbe candida albicans.
Candidiasis can be treated using a number of different approaches including an oral pill, a vaginal pessary or a vaginal cream which are all readily available from any chemist or pharmacy.
Uncomfortable Dryness Menopause, in particular can make vaginal secretions seem to "dry up" - an uncomfortable proposition especially when it comes to sexual intercourse! There are some excellent personal lubricants on the market that can help with a dry vagina.
They are available from chemists, pharmacies, supermarkets, sex shops and online.
Vaginal and Labial Irritation If the internal labia, the inside of the external labia or the vagina itself are sore, red or itchy, you are experiencing vaginal or labial irritation.
If these symptoms occur with unusual vaginal discharge (see Abnormal Vaginal Secretions above), you may have an infection - in which case please consult your doctor to have your condition correctly diagnosed and treated.
To Relieve Vaginal Discomfort Irritation, redness and itchiness can be relieved by applying a 99% natural herbal cream.
"LadySoothe" contains essential oils including tea tree oil that have soothing and healing properties and is safe to apply to this delicate vaginal area.
LadySoothe was created by women for women.
With a moisturising coconut oil base, LadySoothe is safe to apply to your vagina - both inside and outside.
Source...